Articles & Resources

Have You Heard These Top Tax Saving Tips For Your Company?

Have You Heard These Top Tax Saving Tips For Your Company?

Are you looking for ways to help your company be more tax-efficient? You wouldn’t be the only one. In fact, it’s one of the top things people search for on Google! And whilst there’s a lot of obvious advice out there, do you know these lesser known tips?Tip #1 –...

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How much do you really know about ATOL?

How much do you really know about ATOL?

The ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) scheme is a cornerstone of the UK travel industry, offering essential consumer protection for flight-inclusive package holidays. For businesses selling such packages, holding an ATOL licence is mandatory. Keep reading to...

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Autumn Budget 2024

Autumn Budget 2024

On October 30th 2024, the new Labour Government unveiled their long-awaited Autumn Budget, which featured significant tax increases set to impact businesses and business owners. The Budget also focused on Capital Taxes, National Insurance contributions and...

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What Are Employee Ownership Trusts?

What Are Employee Ownership Trusts?

At Bracey’s Accountants, we are committed to providing our clients with clear and comprehensive information on various business structures and financial instruments. One such structure gaining popularity is the Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). But what is an employee...

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How to Prepare Management Accounts

How to Prepare Management Accounts

At Bracey’s Accountants, we recognise the importance of management accounts for businesses of all sizes. These reports provide vital insights into financial performance, aiding in informed decision-making and strategic planning.  This guide will walk you through how...

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What Are Management Accounts?

What Are Management Accounts?

At Bracey’s Accountants, we understand that keeping a close eye on your business’s financial health is crucial for making informed decisions and driving growth. One essential tool that can help achieve this is management accounts.  For small to medium-sized businesses...

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Moving accountants: a simple guide for an easy transition

Moving accountants: a simple guide for an easy transition

The thought of moving accountants can be quite overwhelming. How will your existing provider react? What steps will you need to follow? In reality, switching couldn’t be easier and could benefit your business in the long term. Find out how to move - and the benefits...

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CASE STUDY: County Garage

CASE STUDY: County Garage

The long-awaited transition; embracing the digital transformation Serving the extreme north of Scotland, County Garage is an independent automobile company that has been established for over 40 years, offering skilled mechanical repairs, services and MOT facilities to...

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What Is The Coronavirus Future Fund? | How To Apply

What Is The Coronavirus Future Fund? | How To Apply

Plans have been announced by the government to help high growth companies navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19. This is in the shape of the Future Fund. We are still awaiting key details of this support but have outlined in this article what we now understand and...

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Self-Employed | Eligibility To Claim Support | COVID-19

Self-Employed | Eligibility To Claim Support | COVID-19

The Self-employed Income Support Scheme will allow you to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of your trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month. This scheme is available for three months, but this may be extended. Who Is The Scheme Designed For? This scheme...

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Employee Benefits And Expenses | Filing Deadlines

Employee Benefits And Expenses | Filing Deadlines

Employers should not forget that there is a raft of filing obligations that still need to be met. This post lists the various employer filing deadlines regarding employee benefits and expenses for 2019-20. The following table is reproduced from the government website:...

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Aggressive Rent Collection To Be Banned | COVID-19

Aggressive Rent Collection To Be Banned | COVID-19

As businesses across the country work extremely hard to get to grips with the government support available. It’s now been announced that high street shops will be protected from aggressive rent collection and asked to pay what they can during the coronavirus pandemic....

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Carry-Over Of Unused Annual Leave

Carry-Over Of Unused Annual Leave

The rules that would have limited the rights of employees in key industries to carry forward any unused annual leave will be delighted by the announcement made two weeks ago. This will mainly apply to workers in key industries such as food and healthcare. Workers who...

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Support Grants And Loans Update | COVID-19

Support Grants And Loans Update | COVID-19

This week has seen a flurry of changes to the various government support schemes. We have summarised a few in this article. Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) The HMRC portal – where you formally register your claim - should be live as from 20 April 2020. HMRC...

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More Coronavirus Tax Support Options

More Coronavirus Tax Support Options

Apart from the main business and personal tax reliefs that have received publicity in the past few weeks, a number of supplementary support items have been introduced. We have highlighted two in this post. Claiming Child Benefit For New-Borns General Register Offices...

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Safety First Options For Manufacturing And Retail Sectors

Safety First Options For Manufacturing And Retail Sectors

Both of these sectors require people to work in close proximity to each other. The UK Government have issued broad guidelines to reduce the risks for workers from Coronavirus. Manufacturing and processing businesses Manufacturing plays an important role in the...

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Tax Planning Options For 2020-21

Tax Planning Options For 2020-21

The 6th April marks the beginning of a new tax, and for the coming year, unprecedented challenges. As with most things in life, problems are a necessary precursor to finding solutions. We have listed below a few reminders of the issues you may want to consider as...

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Advice For Applying For A Business Interruption Loan

Advice For Applying For A Business Interruption Loan

Guidance has now been updated by The British Business Bank on how to apply for the recently changed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). Where to Apply Most of the UK High Street banks can provide a CBILS loan facility. As your present bankers...

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Dividends Excluded From Coronavirus Support Calculations

Dividends Excluded From Coronavirus Support Calculations

The Self-Employed Income Support Scheme is not available for directors, who will need to seek financial support in other ways during the coronavirus outbreak. When the Government first announced measures to help self-employed workers last week, the information...

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COVID-19 | Support For The Self-Employed

COVID-19 | Support For The Self-Employed

Self-employed people are the latest group of workers to be given income support by the Government to help them through the coronavirus crisis. The Self-Employed Income Support Scheme came as welcome news for millions of people who had previously felt left out by...

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Local Authority Grants | Registration Forms

Local Authority Grants | Registration Forms

As local authorities work to deliver grants of £10,000 or £25,000, we have noticed that new pages are appearing on their websites. Some have already put application/registration forms on their website to no doubt manage the influx of requests and outline criteria for...

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Tax Payment Delays For Businesses And The Self-Employed

Tax Payment Delays For Businesses And The Self-Employed

Further support to businesses and the self-employed to delay payment of various taxes to help them during the coronavirus outbreak was announced by the Government last week. They include: VAT Any VAT that falls due for payment in the period from 20 March, 2020 to 30...

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Furloughed Staff | What It Means And How To Claim

Furloughed Staff | What It Means And How To Claim

Unprecedented state support to help pay the wages of staff left unable to work due to the coronavirus outbreak has been announced by the Chancellor. Rishi Sunak said on Friday that the Government would step in and pay up to 80 per cent of furloughed staff wages up to...

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How Will Coronavirus Impact The Budget?

How Will Coronavirus Impact The Budget?

Most political analysts appear to agree that the growing disruption caused by the Coronavirus outbreak combined with continuing Brexit uncertainty are likely to impact demand and supply. A combination that may well result in a slow-down in global economic activity....

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Self Employed Vs. Employed | The Pros And Cons

Self Employed Vs. Employed | The Pros And Cons

Should you be backing yourself to run your own business? Before you go making any dramatic and life-changing decisions, this article presents a few of the pros and cons of taking the step. The Pros Perhaps the most obvious advantage of being self employed is the...

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Mis-Selling Of Leasehold Interests

Mis-Selling Of Leasehold Interests

The Competition and Marketing Authority (CMA) has published information recently that points to evidence of potential mis-selling and unfair contract terms in the leasehold housing market. Their concerns have been listed below: Ground Rents Homeowners having to pay...

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Residential Property Sales | 30 Days Or Else

Residential Property Sales | 30 Days Or Else

From 6 April 2020, residential property sales that are subject to capital gains tax (CGT) will need to be reported to HMRC within 30 days of the sale. Any CGT due will also need to be paid in this 30-day-period. Property Sales Affected a property that you’ve not used...

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Tax Year 2019/20 | Bracey’s Are On Your Side

Tax Year 2019/20 | Bracey’s Are On Your Side

As we approach the end of the tax year 2019/20, it is worth reflecting on the role of HMRC in our tax affairs. Without a doubt, HMRC, tax legislation and its application, will continue to ensure that you pay your taxes. You can rely on HMRC to pounce if they feel that...

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Dormant Money Scheme To Be Expanded

Dormant Money Scheme To Be Expanded

Money untouched for over 15 years in bank accounts has been funding good causes under the Dormant Assets Scheme that launched in 2011. Around £600m has been transferred from High Street banks and building societies to support community initiatives across the UK. The...

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Medical Update | GP Pension Tax Charges

Medical Update | GP Pension Tax Charges

New changes are being introduced to the annual allowance pension tax charges for NHS GPs. From 2019/20, clinicians who have reached their annual pension allowance and are subsequently notified of a tax liability, will be able to choose ‘Scheme Pays’ on their pension...

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Budget 2020 Predictions

Budget 2020 Predictions

The resignation of chancellor Sajid Javid this month opened the door for Rishi Sunak to take on his role. But, also landed him with the enormous task of preparing the Budget within a month. There was some speculation that the Budget could be delayed. But, Boris...

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Discount Is Good News For Pubs

Discount Is Good News For Pubs

Publicans have a reason to celebrate with the Government’s announcement of a £1,000 business rates discount for pubs. The relief announced on 27 January 2020 will be available to public houses with a rateable value of less than £100,000 and it will apply for one year...

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When Does Gifting Become Tax-Free?

When Does Gifting Become Tax-Free?

There are certain gifts you can make that will not create a capital gains tax (CGT) charge, but care should be taken as there are exceptions. Gifts To Your Spouse Or Civil Partner Ordinarily, you will not pay CGT if you gift assets – that would normally create a...

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Breathing Space For Those In Debt

Breathing Space For Those In Debt

In a recent news story published to the Government website it was announced that a new breathing space period will freeze interest, fees and enforcement for people in problem debt, with further protections for those in mental health crisis treatment. Millions of...

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Brexit: What Happens Next

Brexit: What Happens Next

PM Boris Johnson and the Conservatives did what they had vowed to do in last year’s election to ‘Get Brexit done’. Friday saw celebrations and commiserations from the Leavers and the Remainers. The question now is what happens next? We are out of the EU, but what...

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Do You Have A Furnished Holiday Lets Business?

Do You Have A Furnished Holiday Lets Business?

Most property owners who let property under the Furnished Holiday Let (FHL) tax rules, submit their income and expenditure details on their tax return each year. Is your FHL business accounts year due on the end of the tax year, 31 March (5 April)? Then, we suggest...

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VAT Checklist | Our Top Four Tips

VAT Checklist | Our Top Four Tips

Do you know everything you need to know about VAT?  As part of your business planning for 2020, we’ve picked the brain of our VAT expert, Michele Harris, who gives her top four tips when it comes to correctly planning for the all-important, yet somewhat complicated...

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When Assets Can Become A Tax Liability

When Assets Can Become A Tax Liability

No-one wants to pay more tax than necessary. If you are coming to the end of your trading year, now could be the perfect time to assess your assets to see if there is a way that you could be paying less. There are certain assets that may be carried on your balance...

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Last Week In The EU | Advice For Transition Period

Last Week In The EU | Advice For Transition Period

On the 31 January, the UK set is set to enter the transition period of Brexit.  It’s almost here. The day we have been waiting for since the 2016 referendum. And whichever way you voted, I think everyone will breathe a sigh of relief. But, it isn’t actually the end....

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VAT: Understanding The Cash Accounting Scheme

VAT: Understanding The Cash Accounting Scheme

Paying VAT should never reduce your business profits as you are acting as an unpaid tax collector for HMRC. The VAT added to your sales (less any VAT paid on your purchases) is simply collected from your customers (less amounts paid to suppliers) and the difference...

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Is Your Home A Tax Free Zone?

Is Your Home A Tax Free Zone?

You may be at that time in your life when you are thinking of selling the family home where you raised your children in order to downsize ready for retirement. And, in most cases, the property you have lived in for what feels like a lifetime will earn you a nice...

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The Accountant Will See You Now | Xero Surgery

The Accountant Will See You Now | Xero Surgery

If you haven’t heard about cloud-based accounting, let us educate you! In fact, we can introduce you to Xero, our favourite software as a service (SaaS). Accounting In The Cloud If you have a mobile phone – and let’s face it, who doesn’t these days – cloud accounting...

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Don’t Forget To Claim For Your Home Office

Don’t Forget To Claim For Your Home Office

If you’re a sole trader, you will know about some of the expenses you can claim for against your tax bill. But how many don’t you know? Over the coming months we will share what you can claim and how much. To kick us off – use of the home… The Cost Of Working From...

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Staff Spotlight: Meet Dariusz Hunter

Staff Spotlight: Meet Dariusz Hunter

Our Edinburgh office were celebrating the one-year anniversary of Accounts Senior Dariusz Hunter on January 7. We’d like to get to know him a little better and find out his thoughts on Bracey’s Accountants one year on… Dariusz, why the accountancy industry? I had...

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Don’t Miss January 31st Self-Assessment Deadline

Don’t Miss January 31st Self-Assessment Deadline

The deadline for filing your Self-Assessment returns is looming and our team members in Hemel Hempstead know just how important it is to be prepared. The Self-Assessment system was introduced into the UK for the first time in 1996/1997. Now in its 24th year, the form...

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Top Three VAT Problems

Top Three VAT Problems

VAT – those three letters can strike fear into even the most hardened business owner. We all kind of know what it entails and yet so many can still end up falling foul of the taxman. Nobody wants that. Bracey’s VAT Director Michele Harris knows the pitfalls and has...

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What Will The March 11 Budget Mean For Us?

What Will The March 11 Budget Mean For Us?

Budget 2020 confirmed to be taking place on the 11th March 2020. The General Election is a thing of the past. Brexit is all set for January 31, so the next big thing to think about is the Budget. Normally, we would have had an Autumn Budget but with the build-up to...

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Is The Flat Rate Scheme Right For You?

Is The Flat Rate Scheme Right For You?

Any business owner knows VAT can be a bit challenging – which is why it is so helpful to be able make use of the Flat Rate Scheme (FRS). But while it does simplify the calculation of VAT returns, there are certain circumstances when you may no longer use the FRS. What...

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Staff Spotlight: Meet Anna Fursland

Staff Spotlight: Meet Anna Fursland

Anna Fursland started at Bracey’s Accountants on a six-week work experience placement after leaving school, and eight years later she is still proudly part of the Bracey Bunch. Let’s find out more about the Stevenage-based client manager... Why Accountancy? I was a...

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Minimum Wage Rates Increase From April 2020

Minimum Wage Rates Increase From April 2020

Businesses that have a significant number of staff paid at Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rates should take note that from April 2020 the rates are increasing. In more detail the changes announced 31 December 2019 are: Annual pay rise of up to £930 for a full...

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HMRC’s Top Criminal Cases Of 2019

HMRC’s Top Criminal Cases Of 2019

Not all penalties levied by HMRC are civil, many cases are serious enough to warrant a criminal investigation. The first post in the “money” section of the gov.uk website in 2020 reflects on this. The title of the post is a giveaway: “Busted! HMRC reveals biggest...

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High Street Rejuvenation Funding Announced

High Street Rejuvenation Funding Announced

The first 101 places to benefit from up to £25 million each from the Future High Streets Fund were announced over summer. In the latest step of the £3.6 billion investment in towns and high streets, 20 pilot areas across England will lead the way in rejuvenating town...

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End Of 2019 | Still Time To File Tax Returns

End Of 2019 | Still Time To File Tax Returns

The deadline to file your 2018-19 tax return to HMRC is fast approaching. Most of our clients will have the reassurance that we have filed their returns online. But, for those who still need to file their 2019 return, it’s time to get into action. If you file after 31...

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An End To Brexit Uncertainty

An End To Brexit Uncertainty

The UK can finally breathe and celebrate an end to Brexit uncertainty. Whatever your political motivation, most of us will be relieved that last week’s election has created a government with a working majority. At last, there is a light at the end of the uncertainty...

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Year In Review | 2019

Year In Review | 2019

It’s that time when we all become a little nostalgic about the 12 months that are coming to an end and reflect on the year’s journey. We have a lot to look back on and a lot to be proud of… Moving On And Moving In  2019 was the year when we opened two new offices,...

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Do You Need To File A Tax Return?

Do You Need To File A Tax Return?

We are often asked if it is necessary to register for Self-Assessment and file a tax return each tax year. The following notes are a brief outline of circumstances when you may need to register. Those Required To Submit Tax Return According to HMRC, you may need to...

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Land Registry Property Alert Service | Sign Up

Land Registry Property Alert Service | Sign Up

Property owners are potentially more at risk from the activities of fraudsters. They have more to lose and there are very real risks that the Land Registry property alert service is set up to counter.   Why Consider This Service? Since 2009, HM Land Registry has...

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Received A Letter From The Taxman? Don’t Panic!

Received A Letter From The Taxman? Don’t Panic!

A letter from the taxman is enough to bring anyone out in a cold sweat. And if that missive is asking rather probing questions about your landlord, it has the potential to send you into a full-blown meltdown. Tweeting Tales Reports that these letters are in fact a...

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What Constitutes Profit For Tax Purposes?

What Constitutes Profit For Tax Purposes?

There is no simple answer to this question. We have listed below some of the matters that need to be are considered. As self-employed business owners’ profits are subject to income tax and National Insurance - and limited companies to corporation tax - we have divided...

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Planning Ahead? | 2020 Bank Holidays

Planning Ahead? | 2020 Bank Holidays

The following dates for next years Bank Holidays were recently published on the gov.uk and regional websites. Upcoming Christmas Bank Holidays  (England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland 2019) 25 December Wednesday Christmas Day 26 December Thursday Boxing Day...

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Using Your Vehicle For Business Purposes | Advice

Using Your Vehicle For Business Purposes | Advice

As a general rule, if you use your private transport for trips related to your employment, you may be able to claim tax relief if you are not reimbursed for this business use by your employers. Exceptionally, any normal travel between your home and your place of work...

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Don’t Fall For The Fraudsters | HMRC Scam

Don’t Fall For The Fraudsters | HMRC Scam

We are fast approaching the deadline for filing self-assessment tax returns in the UK for 2018-19. As readers will be aware, this deadline is 31 January 2020. Unfortunately, this coincides with a pick-up in scamming activity by fraudsters pretending to be the tax...

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When Trivial Benefits Can Be Significant

When Trivial Benefits Can Be Significant

The following extracts from HMRC’s website explain how certain benefits to employees can be tax-free. Surprisingly, HMRC describe these as “trivial” benefits. Tax-Free Benefits You don’t have to pay tax on a benefit for your employee if all of the following apply: it...

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Goodbye 2019, Hello Opportunities

Goodbye 2019, Hello Opportunities

We are approaching the end of the calendar year, goodbye 2019, and the end of the of the current tax year, 2019-20, will draw to a close 5th April 2020. Uncertain Future Add to this self-assessment deadlines, Brexit changes, election results and will we – won’t we –...

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The Benefits Of Furnished Holiday Lets

The Benefits Of Furnished Holiday Lets

Most buy-to-let property is let on short leases to a single tenant. The income from rents is treated as a property business, but a number of reliefs available to other trading businesses are not available to buy-to-let landlords. However, if these same properties were...

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Higher National Living Wage Rates

Higher National Living Wage Rates

A new report suggests the National Living Wage (NLW) could rise to £10.50 per hour over the next five years. Higher National Living Wage Report Businesses that have a significant number of workers who are paid at the National Minimum Wage (NMW), NLW rates should...

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Employing Someone At Home | Advice

Employing Someone At Home | Advice

HMRC will consider you as employing someone at home if a nanny, housekeeper, gardener or anyone else meets the following criteria: you hire them, and they are not self-employed or paid through an agency. Your Responsibilities If these criteria do apply this means you...

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Negligible Value Claims | Capital Gains Tax

Negligible Value Claims | Capital Gains Tax

Occasionally, the tax system in the UK throws up an issue that does not make sense. For example, how can you create a tax loss for capital gains tax (CGT) purposes without disposing of the asset? Capital Gains Tax Explained CGT applies when an asset subject to CGT is...

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The Uncertainty Continues | Budget And Brexit Update

The Uncertainty Continues | Budget And Brexit Update

The Brexit issue continues to drag its heels and it now looks as if we will have a general election until matters are resolved. Autumn Budget Postponed Another crucial matter that will be delayed is the presentation of a Budget that will determine any changes to the...

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Heads Up For Energy Contractors | ECO

Heads Up For Energy Contractors | ECO

Contractors completing energy improvements in the homes of low-income families will need to be registered with a new government quality scheme, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO). Good Service Guarantee The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) gives residents confidence...

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Beefing-Up UK Exports

Beefing-Up UK Exports

UK farmers looking for opportunities to export beef products to China will be encouraged by the recent relaxation of export criteria. A recent UK government press release explains what is being offered: China Opens Doors To British Beef The British beef industry is...

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Win While You Save | PrizeSaver Launch

Win While You Save | PrizeSaver Launch

In a further attempt to incentivise savings, the UK government has launched the PrizeSaver account. Here’s what the Treasury press release had to say: PrizeSaver Launch Treasury launches pilot of new PrizeSaver account on International Credit Union Day. Savers who put...

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Business Car Tax | Common Issues Explained

Business Car Tax | Common Issues Explained

We have listed below a number of issues that you will need to consider if directors or employees use a car for business purposes. Essentially, if the car is owned by the business any private use of the vehicle will trigger a tax charge for the driver (car user) and a...

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Paying Tax If You Are Self-Employed

Paying Tax If You Are Self-Employed

Are you a sole trader? Or, an individual member of a partnership? Then you will likely be subject to income tax and possibly National Insurance on your earnings.  Taxing Earnings Vs Monthly Drawings Unfortunately, tax being taxing, earnings for tax purposes may not be...

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Capital Gains Tax Update And Residential Property

Capital Gains Tax Update And Residential Property

UK resident anticipating the sale of a residential property on which a capital gains tax (CGT) charge may apply? You need to consider the changes to the reporting and payment of this CGT charge from 6 April 2020. CGT Payment and Report Changes The general rule will be...

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Community Licence: An Update For Hauliers

Community Licence: An Update For Hauliers

Are you involved in the transport of goods to and from the EU? HMRC has posted useful guidance on what you will need to do to accommodate a no-deal Brexit on 31st of this month. The guidance can be downloaded as a PDF from  Transitional Arrangements Extension...

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Do You Need To File A Tax Return?

Do You Need To File A Tax Return?

The following guidelines are reproduced from the government’s website: You must send a tax return if, in the last tax year (6 April to 5 April), you were: self-employed as a ‘sole trader’ and earned more than £1,000 a partner in a business partnership You will not...

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All Is Not Lost | Ensure Your Business Survives

All Is Not Lost | Ensure Your Business Survives

If your business makes a trading loss its ability to survive the loss will depend on a number of issues. They include: Did your business have sufficient reserves to absorb the loss? If not, are the business owners able to introduce new capital to cover the losses? Or,...

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Getting Ready For EU Exit 31 October 2019

Getting Ready For EU Exit 31 October 2019

HMRC has published a checklist of issues you will need to deal with prior to 31 October 2019. The checklist has been sent to all businesses that already trade with the EU or the rest of the world. The text of the letter is reproduced below, and this contains the links...

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Can You Claim Back The VAT When You Buy A Car?

Can You Claim Back The VAT When You Buy A Car?

The short answer to this question is a resounding “no”, but as always with tax, there are exceptions. Obviously, if you are in business and not VAT registered, you cannot reclaim the VAT added to any of your purchases. If you are VAT registered, HMRC has published the...

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VAT Changes For Importers

VAT Changes For Importers

In the event of a no-deal Brexit, there are key VAT changes for importers of goods into the UK. HMRC currently use Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) to issue C79’s so that companies can reclaim import VAT on their VAT returns. From 22:59 ON 31...

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How Much Tax Do You Pay On Your Dividends?

How Much Tax Do You Pay On Your Dividends?

If you own a small limited company your shares entitle you to draw a return on your shareholding – in common parlance these returns are called dividends. So, when do you receive your dividends, and how much tax do you have to pay? When Does A Shareholder Recieve...

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Does Your Employer Pay For Your Private Petrol?

Does Your Employer Pay For Your Private Petrol?

A reminder that you can avoid the hefty car fuel benefit charge if you drive a company car and your employer pays for your private fuel. One way to achieve this is to repay your company for the private petrol provided. Possible Tax Charge Many employers have an...

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Unclaimed Estates: Who Is Entitled To A Share?

Unclaimed Estates: Who Is Entitled To A Share?

There is nothing more intriguing than the notion we may be due untold riches from undisclosed sources. For example, do you have any premium bonds, and did you notify the registrar the last time you moved to a new house? Do The Government Hold Unclaimed Estates? Did...

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Do You Have A December Year-End?

Do You Have A December Year-End?

December is probably the second most popular trading year-end for businesses; the most popular being the 31 March. Finding Opportunities Your end of year planning should include a review of your results – prior to your year end – so that there is an opportunity to...

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VAT Domestic Reverse Charge | Construction

VAT Domestic Reverse Charge | Construction

Just one month to go until the so-called “Domestic Reverse Charge” will apply to VAT-registered traders who are also registered to use the Construction Industry Scheme. Who's Paying The VAT Bill? There has been an awful lot of commentary in the press claiming that...

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Tax-Free Annual Party

Tax-Free Annual Party

Looking forward to the forthcoming end-of-year and Christmas celebrations? We could all do with a bit of festive cheer, so you may find the following article useful: it sets out the rules and regulations that qualify such events for a tax-free party: no benefits in...

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Direct Marketing Director Punished By ICO

Direct Marketing Director Punished By ICO

If your company engages in direct marketing, you may want to consider the following case published by the Insolvency Service: 110,000 Unsolicited Marketing Calls A property renovation boss who caused his company to make more than 110,000 unsolicited marketing calls...

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How Fit Is Your Business?

How Fit Is Your Business?

In much the same way that we make judgements about our personal fitness: are we overweight, do we get enough exercise, do we eat the right food; similar judgements can be made about your business. Fail To Prepare, Prepare To Fail There is also a raft of external...

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Case Study | Making Tax Digital Migration For VAT

Case Study | Making Tax Digital Migration For VAT

The Federation for Small Businesses reported, prior to the implementation of Making Tax Digital, that companies were facing bills of more than £1,000 to remain compliant and that thousands were unprepared. At Bracey’s, that hasn’t been the case for our clients.  Meet...

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Finance Considerations for Practices Signing PCN Contracts

Finance Considerations for Practices Signing PCN Contracts

It’s likely you’re already familiar with Primary Care Networks (PCNs). They are part of the new five-year GP contract where practices will receive additional funding by joining networks. Those networks are likely to see practices service a larger community and work...

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Marriage Allowance | Potential Tax Refund

Marriage Allowance | Potential Tax Refund

The Marriage Allowance lets you transfer £1,250 of your Personal Allowance to your husband, wife or civil partner - if they earn more than you. In many cases, this may result in a tax refund for the partner receiving the transfer. Tax Savings The allowance reduces...

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The 1972 Brussels Act Has Been Repealed

The 1972 Brussels Act Has Been Repealed

Doubted the resolve of our government regarding the implementation of the 2016 referendum? Then the following announcement may clarify matters: 1972 Act Repealed The Government has signed into law legislation to repeal the Act of Parliament which set in stone...

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Options For Your Pension Pot

Options For Your Pension Pot

According to HMRC, the options you have for your pension pot(s) are: Leave Your Whole Pot Untouched You don’t have to start taking money from your pension pot when you reach your ‘selected retirement age’. You can leave your money invested in your pot until you need...

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Driving And Staying In The EU After 31 October 2019

Driving And Staying In The EU After 31 October 2019

If, as our new government intends, we leave the EU after 31 October 2019, with or without a deal, what changes will drivers and travellers from the UK be likely to face when they cross the channel after this date? Bus and coach drivers According to the latest updates...

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What Is An EORI Number?

What Is An EORI Number?

As the likelihood of a no-deal exit from the EU is now more likely, readers who presently export or import goods to the EU need to prepare for changes in tariffs, VAT and transport issues before 31 October 2019 – the latest exit deadline. EORI Number If the UK leaves...

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Enhanced Redundancy Cover For Parents

Enhanced Redundancy Cover For Parents

The present legal protections against redundancy cover for parents is to be extended by six months for new mothers returning to work. Parents returning from adoption and shared parental leave will also be protected. Pregnancy Discrimination The move comes in response...

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Statutory Holiday Entitlement | Fact Check

Statutory Holiday Entitlement | Fact Check

Now that schools are closing for the summer, many families will be making for their chosen holiday destination. An opportune to time to be reminded of your statutory holiday entitlements. The following information is reproduced from the gov.uk website. Statutory...

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Your Business Structure Options

Your Business Structure Options

If you are setting up a new business one of the options, you will need to consider is your business structure. There are two basic choices: Be self-employed, or Incorporate your business, be a limited company. There is a world of difference between the two options....

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Your Accounting Audit Checklist

Your Accounting Audit Checklist

An accounting audit works for both large corporations and SMEs. A well-timed audit can help to root out any accounting anomalies through a thorough review and examination of accounting and financial records. This gives comfort on results, as well as providing some...

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Why Invest In Tax Planning?

Why Invest In Tax Planning?

The way we organise, whether it be tax planning or 'playing it by ear', for our business and personal financial affairs determines the amount of taxes we pay. Most of us are focussed on outcomes. Outcomes that on the face of it, increase our profits or income without...

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The Advantages of Tax Compliance Support

The Advantages of Tax Compliance Support

In this article, we explore the advantages of tax compliance support. As UK resident persons we are obliged to comply with the law, if we don’t, there are consequences. These range from financial penalties to imprisonment. Tax compliance covers areas such as...

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UPDATE: No-Deal Brexit

UPDATE: No-Deal Brexit

The phrase “no-deal Brexit” is assuming a rather specific meaning as the exit from the EU grinds towards a conclusion – the present deadline for achieving a withdrawal agreement is the end of October. No Luck If we fail to achieve consensus by that date, there are...

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It’s Business As Usual At The Treasury | Finance Bill 2019

It’s Business As Usual At The Treasury | Finance Bill 2019

With all the present upheavals in UK politics it is reassuring that for one government department, the Treasury, it’s business as usual. What's To Come For The UK Taxpayer Ordinarily, we would expect the next Budget to be presented to parliament in the autumn, usually...

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What Is Goodwill?

What Is Goodwill?

According to the dictionary goodwill is: a feeling of benevolence, approval, and kindly interest (modifier) resulting from, showing, or designed to show goodwill willingness or acquiescence (Accounting & Book-keeping) accounting  intangible asset is taken into...

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Watch: Improve A Businesses Fitness In 2 Minutes

Watch: Improve A Businesses Fitness In 2 Minutes

How much attention do you give to your company’s ability to weather external and internal challenges? Business Challenges If you engage in a systematic, periodic review of your business circumstances, you are more likely to pick up on issues that would be challenging....

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Filing Documents With Companies House

Filing Documents With Companies House

In the not too distant past, if you filed a set of accounts for a registered company with Companies House this usually involved sending the required documents using the postal system. Unreliable Systems Inevitably, this involved a certain amount of delay: initially,...

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Property Transactions | Legal And Professional Fees

Property Transactions | Legal And Professional Fees

We are often asked to explain: are the professional fees you pay, associated with a property transaction, a tax allowable deduction? The Answer The straight-forward answer is yes. But, it is necessary to consider the reason for which a property is purchased to...

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Building Income Streams | Advice

Building Income Streams | Advice

If you are in business you either buy (manufacture) or sell goods, or you deliver a service based on your personal skills. The Good(s), The Bad If you buy or sell goods there is no reason to believe that once you have achieved a sale to a particular person or...

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Have you heard of the Prompt Payment Code?

Have you heard of the Prompt Payment Code?

The Prompt Payment Code (Code) is not a fanciful device to access cash from bank machines or a way to secure an automatic “prompt” payment from your customers. Code Of Payment Conduct The Code was actually set up by the Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM)...

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Capital Gains Tax Giveaway? | GHOR

Capital Gains Tax Giveaway? | GHOR

The awkwardly named “Gift Hold-Over Relief” (GHOR) allows you to give away business assets – including certain shares – or sell them for less than they are worth, and not pay (or pay reduced) capital gains tax (CGT). The person receiving the gift will potentially pay...

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What Exactly Is Insolvency?

What Exactly Is Insolvency?

The dictionary definition of insolvency is less than illuminating, it is: The state of being insolvent… Listed synonyms provide more detail: bankruptcy · liquidation · failure · collapse · ruin · financial ruin · ruination · pennilessness · penury ·  Digging Deep What...

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Complaining To HMRC | Advice

Complaining To HMRC | Advice

Although many of the tax office processes are computerised systems, the rest is managed by human beings. Each subject to the same range of foibles as the rest of us. And we all know how reliable computerised systems have proven to be... Correcting Anomalies If you are...

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The Real Tax Cost Of Benefits In Kind

The Real Tax Cost Of Benefits In Kind

There is a sting in the tail for companies that provide their directors or employees with taxable benefits as part of their remuneration package. The Trigger Obviously, the directors or employees that receive the benefits will pay additional income tax if the benefits...

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E-bike Cycle To Work Scheme Announced

E-bike Cycle To Work Scheme Announced

Tempted to cycle to work but are challenged by fitness issues, or really can’t afford the bike you would like? You might be interested in the recent announcement that has extended the existing Cycle To Work scheme. Introducing E-Bikes E-bikes are bycles with electric...

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Did You Know Income Rates Can Be As High As 60%?

Did You Know Income Rates Can Be As High As 60%?

Most of us know that income tax is charged at three main rates: 20%, 40%, and 45%. Unfortunately, there are certain levels of income that trigger a loss of benefits or allowances as well as a charge to income tax. Because of this, the percentage rate of tax charged...

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Changing The Way Construction Firms Account For VAT

Changing The Way Construction Firms Account For VAT

From October 1st this year, construction supplies between businesses under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) will be subject to the Domestic Reverse Charge (DRC). In a bid to ensure VAT payments are not lost within a line of invoices between sub-contractors and...

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Mileage Rates and Tax Relief | Latest Rates

Mileage Rates and Tax Relief | Latest Rates

Does your employer ask you to use your own car or van to undertake a journey on their behalf? You may be entitled to a payment from your employer to cover your petrol and wear and tear costs. HMRC Cap Let’s say that your employer pays you 35p per mile. You may feel...

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Don’t Take Your Eye Off The Brexit Ball

Don’t Take Your Eye Off The Brexit Ball

There is no doubt that many of us are heartily tired of the drawn-out Brexit debate, and yet we should not ignore this topic completely. Hard Brexit, Hard Decisions Opinion seems to be hardening for the so-called “hard” Brexit: where we leave at the end of October...

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Adventures In Trade | HMRC Recover Millions In Lost Taxes

Adventures In Trade | HMRC Recover Millions In Lost Taxes

Readers are reminded that if you profit from a hobby – sell what you produce on a regular basis – you may attract the attention of HMRC. When Do You Pay Tax? If your annual sales (income before any costs are deducted) are below £1,000 you will pay no tax as you can...

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Keeping An Eye On The Competition | Business Advice

Keeping An Eye On The Competition | Business Advice

If your competitor is a company, there is quite a lot of information you can obtain free of charge. For example, from the Gov.uk website you can obtain the following details: company information, for example, registered address and date of incorporation current and...

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The New State Pension

The New State Pension

Prior to April 2016, men born before 6 April 1951 and women born before 6 April 1953, qualified for a basic State Pension and an Additional State Pension. If you were born after these dates you will qualify for the New State Pension and will no longer be eligible for...

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Tax-Free Gains 2019-20 | Capital Gains Tax

Tax-Free Gains 2019-20 | Capital Gains Tax

There are still a number of sales (disposals) that a UK taxpayer can make that will not incur a charge to the UK’s Capital Gains Tax. For most of us, they are limited in extent, after all, legislators have had plenty of time to close any favourable loop-holes. Packing...

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National Minimum Wage Rates Increased

National Minimum Wage Rates Increased

From 1 April 2019, the National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW) hourly rates increased to: 25 and over - £8.21 21 to 24 - £7.70 18-20 - £6.15 Under 18 £4.35 Apprentices £3.90 Workers who are entitled to receive these rates as a minimum include:...

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Landlords Faced With 2020 Tax Hit

Landlords Faced With 2020 Tax Hit

HMRC are changing two important tax concessions that apply to landlords who have letting property that, as owners, they have previously occupied at some point as their home (Principal Private Residence (PPR)). Changes Happening From April 2020 The first is the...

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Employers: What Is Class 1a NIC?

Employers: What Is Class 1a NIC?

Does one or more of your employees benefit from the use of facilities provided by you? This could be a cheap loan or a company car? It is well known that you as their employer will need to inform HMRC of the amount of these benefits following the end of the tax year....

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VIDEO: HMRC’s Digital Tax Revolution Has Started

VIDEO: HMRC’s Digital Tax Revolution Has Started

It would be unlikely, if you’re VAT registered, that you would have missed the countless articles, posters and TV adverts to let you know that Making Tax Digital for VAT has commenced as of April 1, 2019. As it stands, only four per cent of UK businesses have signed...

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Do You Manage Your Own VAT Returns?

Do You Manage Your Own VAT Returns?

Unless you opt to register or use one of the available VAT special schemes, you are likely paying VAT to HMRC once a quarter. This is based on the difference between the VAT added to your sales invoices less any VAT included in business purchases and expenses...

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Who Inherits If You Die Without A Will?

Who Inherits If You Die Without A Will?

If you die without stating your wishes, the law will determine how your assets are distributed amongst your family. The rules that govern the process are set out in the intestacy rules. And there are regional differences. Consider a parent whose personal assets amount...

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Employing Family, Younger Persons or Volunteers

Employing Family, Younger Persons or Volunteers

The following notes set out some of the factors you will need to consider if you are considering employing members of your family, younger workers or volunteers in your business. Employing Family Members If you hire family members you must: avoid special treatment in...

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Investing In New Equipment?

Investing In New Equipment?

For most of us in business the recent, and continuing, the Brexit fiasco has meant that making meaningful investment decisions have proved to be problematic. What will our future trading relationship with Europe look like and how will that affect our own trading...

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When Do You Pay Capital Gains Tax?

When Do You Pay Capital Gains Tax?

If you personally disposed of an asset that is subject to a capital gains tax (CGT) charge, at any time during the tax year ending 5 April 2019, any CGT due will need to be paid 31 January 2020. Accordingly, if you know the amount of the taxable gain, and the amount...

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What Is A Debt Relief Order?

What Is A Debt Relief Order?

The first Debt Relief Order (DRO) was approved 10 years ago in April 2009 with the aim of assisting people with small levels of assets and little surplus income deal with their debts. Since then, the Insolvency Service has approved more than 254,000 DROs to people...

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Green Light For Pension Dashboards

Green Light For Pension Dashboards

The government has given the green light to allow pension providers to create user-friendly services that display pension information for individuals online. Savers will be in the driving seat with all the facts and figures about their pensions and potential...

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Tax-free Property and Trading Allowances | Advice

Tax-free Property and Trading Allowances | Advice

Since April 2017, you can earn £1,000 from a trading activity and £1,000 of property-related income, without being liable to income tax. These tax-free allowances are useful as families can generate an extra £2,000 a year of income without increasing their tax bills....

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What Will HMRC Avoid Telling You?

What Will HMRC Avoid Telling You?

There are three things that you can count on that HMRC will do: Calculate the amount of tax you owe based on the information they have gathered. Chase you for payment of this tax if not recovered by PAYE. Pursue you if they believe you have under-declared your taxable...

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Commuting To Work Costs | Is It A Deductible?

Commuting To Work Costs | Is It A Deductible?

Ordinary commuting between home and work incurs costs: either shoe leather if you walk, or the cost of transport. For most employees, these costs are considered to be personal costs and are not deductible for tax purposes. HMRC's Reasoning This is so even if your...

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Child Benefit Tax Trap | Advice

Child Benefit Tax Trap | Advice

A family claiming the weekly Child Benefit (currently, £20.70 a week for the eldest or only child and £13.70 a week for additional children) may get an unwelcome tax bill if either parents’ income exceeds £50,000 during a tax year. Have You Been Overpaid? If either...

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Understanding Dividends | How They Are Taxed

Understanding Dividends | How They Are Taxed

Dividends received from shares held in UK companies form part of a tax-payers self-assessment. The payments are made by the paying company without any deduction of tax and therefore the amount received is the sum that needs to be declared. Share Of Profits Dividends...

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Brexit | No Deal Advice For Traders Within The EU

Brexit | No Deal Advice For Traders Within The EU

On the 12th March, the government updated its Brexit advice to traders within the EU. The advice assumes a no-deal outcome. On the basis that being prepared for the worst possible outcome, and a no-deal Brexit result is universally accepted to be a disaster for UK...

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Pension Shakeup | Long-Term Investment Strategies

Pension Shakeup | Long-Term Investment Strategies

Last week, a press release was issued by the Department of Works and Pensions implying that pension scheme investment managers, the folks that determine the size of our pension pots, are being short-changed by the UK financial investment industry. And, as a result,...

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No Tax When You Sell Your Home? | Private Residence Relief

No Tax When You Sell Your Home? | Private Residence Relief

The private residence relief allows you to sell your home without paying any capital gains tax (CGT) on the profit you make on the sale. If only life was that simple. Unfortunately, there are occasions when CGT may be payable. Working From Home For example, if part of...

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Holiday Entitlement | What You Should Know

Holiday Entitlement | What You Should Know

According to government sources, if you work a five day week you are entitled to 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday a year. This is known as our statutory or annual leave entitlement. At first sight, 5.6 weeks looks to be an odd number of days, but it refers to a normal working...

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Register Your Trade Mark

Register Your Trade Mark

As we take steps to disentangle ourselves from the EU and make our mark in the wider global economy, this may be a good time to register a potential trade mark you may be using. There is a formal registration process linked to the gov.uk website. Alternatively, you...

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HMRC’s Guidance On Fraudulent Phone Calls

HMRC’s Guidance On Fraudulent Phone Calls

It would seem that fraudsters, posing as HMRC, are keen to relieve you of your hard earned cash by switching to phone calls now that email scams are becoming less effective. The Experts Advice HMRC recently issued the following instructions to UK taxpayers and...

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HMRC’s Drive Towards Digitisation

HMRC’s Drive Towards Digitisation

Digitisation is simply the conversion of text, pictures, numbers, and sound into a form that can be processed by a computer. Add to this the replacement of feet on the ground with algorithms and programs that respond to certain criteria, and we can start to see where...

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What is Transitional Simplified Procedures (TSP)? | Brexit

What is Transitional Simplified Procedures (TSP)? | Brexit

HMRC have issued a letter to VAT registered traders that either export or import goods to and from the EU. They are introducing new Transitional Simplified Procedures (TSPs) for customs purposes. For Importers HMRC is introducing new Transitional Simplified Procedures...

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Does Your Business Go To The Gym? | Business Fitness

Does Your Business Go To The Gym? | Business Fitness

Apparently, there are benefits to your personal wellbeing if you sweat it out at the gym three times a week: improved stamina, ripped muscles, endorphin buzz, lose unwanted weight. But, could your business benefit from a similar process? Fit and Wealthy We are not...

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Parliament Eases Through The Finance Act 2019

Parliament Eases Through The Finance Act 2019

According to a recent government announcement, 32 million people will be better off as the Finance Bill 2018-19 receives Royal Assent. Treasury Announcement: A basic rate taxpayer will pay over £1,200 less income tax than they did in 2010, thanks to the government’s...

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Tax Planning Considerations For 2018-19

Tax Planning Considerations For 2018-19

The deadline for filing 2017-18 self-assessment tax returns without paying a penalty for late submission has passed (31 January 2019). But a new and pressing deadline now presents itself: 5 April 2019. Tax planning options for 2018-19 As we have outlined in previous...

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GDPR: What Was All The Fuss About?

GDPR: What Was All The Fuss About?

Last year, the 23 May 2018 to be precise, the UK adapted the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). The deadline created a rush of publicity and activity as businesses across the UK pored over their data processing systems, making changes to accommodate the new...

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The Chancellor Announces That Alcohol Duties Are Frozen

The Chancellor Announces That Alcohol Duties Are Frozen

In what amounts to a single-issue mini-budget the Treasury posted a welcome announcement for the manufacturers and consumers of alcoholic products last week. They said: From today, (1 February 2019) taxes on beer, cider and spirits are frozen for another year, keeping...

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How To Cope With Recession

How To Cope With Recession

Recession literally means “the act of going back, of receding…” Economic pundits have hijacked the word to mean “a period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced…”. It is usually heralded by a fall in Gross Domestic Product...

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Import VAT | Payments And Certificates Are Changing

Import VAT | Payments And Certificates Are Changing

As you know, when it comes to VAT, we have a not-so-secret weapon in the shape of Michele Harris. As a former HMRC VAT inspector for over 20 years, there isn’t much our Michele doesn’t know about VAT. However, as we approach new territory with Brexit, things are...

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Have You Planned Efficiently For The 5th April 2019?

Have You Planned Efficiently For The 5th April 2019?

There must be several hundred separate deadlines for UK tax purposes, but the most common is the end of the tax year. In the UK this is 5 April.  Deadly Beginnings Historically, a deadline was a line drawn around a prison. If inmates crossed it, they were shot. This...

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HMRC Update On Preparing For No Deal Brexit

HMRC Update On Preparing For No Deal Brexit

There are just under 60 days left until the present withdrawal deadline is reached, 29 March 2019. Leaving aside the fact that there were no violins available, it’s interesting to seek a comparison between the supposed musical antics of Nero in AD64. As Rome burned...

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Understanding IR35: What Are “Disguised Employees”?

Understanding IR35: What Are “Disguised Employees”?

What is a disguised employee? Very definitely, it is not an individual holding a clock card in fancy dress. It is a contractor, usually in the guise of a limited company, that is undertaking work as if an employee, but more importantly, is being paid as a business...

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Unbelievable Excuses And Dubious Expenses

Unbelievable Excuses And Dubious Expenses

HMRC seem to be working on their people skills, either that or they have decided to soften their hard sales approach to tax compliance by injecting a little humour. Last week they published the following responses they had received for late payment of tax and claims...

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Meet Emma Fraser | Audit Director

Meet Emma Fraser | Audit Director

At Bracey’s, we pride ourselves on staying ahead of what our clients are likely to need in the future, and as our offices have grown, so have our clients. That’s why, earlier this year, we welcomed Audit Director Emma Fraser to our Hitchin Practice. Whether an audit...

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Brexit: No Deal or No Change?

Brexit: No Deal or No Change?

Are we heading for a no deal, a no change or some form of compromised Brexit? The days of free access to the EU for the exchange of goods are likely to be numbered due to the UK’s exit on 29th March 2019. Unless abandoned completely, one of the outcomes highlighted...

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How Do We Prepare For Brexit When So Much Is Undecided?

How Do We Prepare For Brexit When So Much Is Undecided?

It is hardly surprising that to prepare for Brexit is fast becoming as big a turnoff as a tax. How on earth are we supposed to react or adapt to such far-reaching changes when the exact details of our exit are still undecided just a few weeks before the March 2019...

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Why Does The UK Tax Year End 5th April?

Why Does The UK Tax Year End 5th April?

A bit of history this week, but with a practical outcome for 5th April 2019. Ancient Beginnings Up to 1582, Europe used the Julian calendar introduced by the Romans in 45BC. Unfortunately, the Julian calendar differed from the solar calendar by 11 ½ minutes; after 500...

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Tax Positions | Join Our Growing Team

Tax Positions | Join Our Growing Team

We are looking for a Tax Semi Senior to join our Hitchin office. Bracey’s Accountants is an innovative firm with an exciting range of clients in numerous sectors across the UK.  Formed in 2010, the firm has gone from strength-to-strength in delivering a wide range of...

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Have You Received Your Tax Statement?

Have You Received Your Tax Statement?

HMRC normally send out a tax statement this time of the year to all self-assessment taxpayers that have submitted a tax return for 2017-18. As we reported last week, this will list any balance of tax due for 2017-18. And, the amount of any payment on account required...

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Travelling To The EU After Brexit

Travelling To The EU After Brexit

The following guidance on travelling to the EU after Brexit was published on the GOV.UK website 20 December 2018. Much of the guidance has been updated on the basis of a no-deal Brexit. UK citizens planning a trip to the EU and EEA before 29 March 2019 are not...

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Proposals For Consumer Protections When Companies Collapse

Proposals For Consumer Protections When Companies Collapse

New laws to protect consumers who have already paid for products but not received them when businesses go bust will be considered by the government, it was announced Thursday 27 December 2018. Proposed measures will include guaranteeing consumer schemes like Christmas...

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Turkey Dinner And Tax Returns

Turkey Dinner And Tax Returns

Completing your tax return may not have been top of your priorities on Christmas Day, but that didn’t stop 2,616 taxpayers from filing their Self-Assessment returns on 25 December 2018. For some taxpayers completing their return on Christmas Day is as traditional as...

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Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

As we wave goodbye to 2018 and welcome 2019, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all our clients, friends and associates a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. 2018 Highlights Xero Gold In October, we became Xero Gold Partners. Read how this can...

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Trivial Benefits: Tax-Free Gifts For Employees

Trivial Benefits: Tax-Free Gifts For Employees

From a business perspective, there is not much to be merry about this year especially if you need some clarity regarding our impending exit from the EU. Never-the-less, business owners would be wise to consider the tax-free gifts that can be made to ease the financial...

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How To Have A Tax-Free Seasonal Bash

How To Have A Tax-Free Seasonal Bash

Time to let your hair down? Enjoy a festive moment or two with your business colleagues and staff? If you are careful with your budgeting, you can enjoy the event without increasing your tax or National Insurance payments. Here’s what you need to consider: What's...

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Brexit May Be In Limbo, But Making Tax Digital Is Not

Brexit May Be In Limbo, But Making Tax Digital Is Not

From 1 April 2019, ALL VAT registered businesses with turnover above the £85,000 VAT registration threshold will have to submit their VAT returns from within software that can link with HMRC’s networks. This is part fo HMRC's vision of making tax digital.  In...

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A Possible, Unwelcome Increase In Service Charges

A Possible, Unwelcome Increase In Service Charges

Owners of properties on estates or sites that are obliged to pay service charges to a management company - for example, for the maintenance of common areas, gardens, or the employment of a site warden or caretaker - may be in for an unwelcome surprise. Previously VAT...

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What is an OpRA?

What is an OpRA?

OpRA is the acronym for an optional remuneration arrangement. Before April 2018, these were termed “salary sacrifice” arrangements. Essentially, both are benefits in kind (BiK) offered to employees in place of salary increases. Recent changes ensure that, that where...

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Planning For Uncharted Territory | Brexit Advice

Planning For Uncharted Territory | Brexit Advice

Truthfully, no one knows what trading conditions will be like once we exit the EU. Will supply chains seize up or will it be business as usual? If there is a possibility, however remote, that the commercial landscape will change, doesn’t it make sense to undertake an...

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Why You Should Keep Private Banking Accounts Private

Why You Should Keep Private Banking Accounts Private

Many small businesses, including landlords, use private bank accounts to lodge business receipts and make business payments. If traders in this situation are subject to an HMRC enquiry into their business affairs, HMRC would be entitled to request sight of all bank...

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How To Receive Your State Pension Outside The UK

How To Receive Your State Pension Outside The UK

If you are about to move abroad and are already receiving a State Pension in the UK, you might like to read this article setting out some of the issues you will need to consider. If You Live Part Of The Year Abroad You must choose which country you want your pension...

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Medical Pension Changes & Charges

Medical Pension Changes & Charges

We’ve spoken to our Medical Accountancy Director Nipun Gupta to understand the pension changes and issues currently affecting those in the sector. From pension payments, deductions, annual allowances, lifetime allowances, pension certificates, Primary Care Support...

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